Feb 8, 2025

Ostankino TV Tower Moscow

The highest building in Europe

""Ostankino TV Tower" in Moscow is a sample of true Soviet architecture. It's still the highest building in Europe, and locals don't even know it's opened!"

Ostankinsky district is one of my favorites in Moscow. Here you can become acquainted with true Soviet architecture. It may look fussy, it may look tasteless, but here I can at least imagine what spirit the country I've never lived in had.

I know that a lily flower turned upside down was a prototype for this tower, but it really reminds me of a space rocket (just look at these illuminators at the base). The construction was carried out in the middle of the sixties, so there is no surprise that Ostankino tower is associated with space exploration, though any TV tower can fit such a comparison.

When I was a kid I visited the tower several times. So I missed it badly when it was closed for reconstruction after the 2000 fire. The period of reconstruction was so long that today many Moscovites don't even know that the tower was finally opened for visiting.

If you are sure about the time of visit I would recommend to book the excursion in advance, especially in summer. Though I had no problem visiting the tower arriving 30 minutes before the excursion started (new excursions start at the beginning of every hour).

The view itself is not that fascinating as, for example, from Vorobyovy Gory, because the tower is situated a little bit far from the city center. But the building itself is worth visiting. And don't forget to take a picture of yourself standing on the glass floor with 337 meters under you!

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

ulitsa Akademika Korolyova, 15

Entrance adults:

RUB

1000

4959266111

Explore Moscow like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Moscow guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Moscow

The Fountain of Arts

Oasis of inspiration

"The Fountain of Arts" in Moscow is a fountain inaugurated in 2006. I really recommend you visit it after Tretyakov Gallery - you'll get inspired!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Maria

Selezneva

Feb 18, 2025

Moscow City

Moscow's skyscrapers

"Moscow City" is the city's very own skyscraper district. Here you can find everything that makes life in the big city fun and interesting...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Maria

Selezneva

Feb 18, 2025

Shabolovka Street

Oasis of peace

"Shabolovka Street" is one of my favorite parts of Moscow. Maybe it's because of the atmosphere, Danilovsky Food Market nearby or the radio tower...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Maria

Selezneva

Feb 18, 2025

RAoS Viewpoint

Get close to the golden brains

"RAoS Viewpoint" isn't the highest or most spectacular in Moscow, but the views you get here are definitely the most Instagram-worthy...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Natalia

Stepanova

Feb 17, 2025

Bro.We

Come for a coffee, stay for a movie club

"Bro.We" is a small cafe in Moscow with excellent coffee and the people who work there are amazing. I started going there even if it's out of my way...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Natalia

Stepanova

Feb 17, 2025

Aquarium Garden

"Theatrical oasis"

"Aquarium Garden" in Moscow takes me back to the pre-revolutionary era. You can find playbills and beautiful fountains and arches deep in the garden...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Irina

Rakhmanova

Feb 16, 2025

Triumph Gallery

Hidden art oasis

"Triumph Gallery" is in the very centre of Moscow, and what I like most about it is the contrast between its contemporary art and the splendor around it...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Natalia

Stepanova

Feb 14, 2025

Cheburechnaya Druzhba

Authentic '80s fast food

"Cheburechnaya Druzhba" in Moscow never changed in the last 30 years. hHre you can get authentic Chebureki, the 'national' Soviet middle-class fast food...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Anton

Alexandrov

Feb 12, 2025

Cape Stroginskaya Kosa

Green peninsula

"Cape Stroginskaya Kosa" is in Moscow's suburbs in a green park. It's a calm, quiet place with many trees, surrounded by water from three sides...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Irina

Rakhmanova

Feb 11, 2025

House With A Unicorn

"Master & Margarita" spot

If you ever dreamed of meeting a unicorn, you have the chance here in Moscow! This Neo-Gothic building actually inspired Mikhail Bulgakov...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Irina

Rakhmanova

Feb 11, 2025

Ekologiya Garden

A sculpture square

"Ekologiya Garden" in Moscow is a sculpture park right next to busy Arbat Street dedicated to ecology. It's a real open-air museum!

002-building
Art & culture

By

Irina

Rakhmanova

Feb 11, 2025

True Cost Live

Fair food for a fair price

"True Cost Live" is a restaurant in Moscow that has an entrance fee, but everything you order is priced at cost. It's not just cheap: I love the food!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Andrey

Berezkin

Feb 10, 2025

Heading to Moscow?

134 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Moscow?

134 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Moscow

Get to know our other Spotters from Moscow